Second Nephi

The Second Book of Nephi is the second book of the Book of Mormon, written by the ancient prophet Lehi from 588 to 545 BC. Unlike the first book, First Nephi, it contained very little history of the Nephites, instead discussing visions and prophecies of Nephi and other ancient prophets like Isaiah.

Chapter 1
Lehi prophesied of a land of liberty, and his seed would be scattered and smitten if they rejected the Holy One of Israel; he exhorted his sons to put on the armor of righteousness. Lehi told his sons Laman, Lemuel, and Sam that, if they hearkened unto the voice of the youngest son Nephi, they would not perish. In addition, he told the late Laban's servant Zoram that, because he was a true friend of Nephi forever, he would be blessed with Nephi's seed.

Chapter 2
Redemption came through the Messiah - freedom of choice (agency) was essential to existence and progression. Adam fell that men might be, and men were free to choose liberty and eternal life.

Chapter 3
The Old Testament prophet Joseph, while in Egypt, saw the Nephites in vision, prophesying of Joseph Smith, the latter-day seer; of Moses, who would deliver Israel; and of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

Chapter 4
Lehi then counseled and blessed his posterity, and he told Sam that his seed would inherit the land like unto his brother Nephi, and that his seed would be numbered with Nephi's seed. After passing on his wisdom, Lehi died, and he was buried. Nephi gloried in the goodness of God, and he put his trust in God forever.

Chapter 5
God proceeded to warn Nephi that he should depart from his brothers and flee into the wilderness with all of those who would go with him. Nephi took his family, Zoram and his family, Sam and his family, his younger brothers Jacob and Joseph, his younger sisters, and other travellers with him, and his people became the Nephites. Laman's descendants became the Lamanites. The Nephites separated themselves from the Lamanites, kept the law of Moses, and built a temple. Because of their unbelief, the Lamanites were cut off from the presence of God, were cursed, and became a scourge unto the Nephites, occurring between 588 and 559 BC.

Chapter 6
From 559 to 545 BC, Jacob went on to recount Jewish history: the Babylonian captivity and return, the ministry and crucifixion of Jesus, the help received from the gentiles, and the Jews' latter-day restoration when they believed in the Messiah.

Chapter 7
Jacob continued reading from Isaiah, with Isaiah speaking messianically; the Messiah would have the tongue of the learned, he would give his back to the smiters, and he would not be confounded.

Chapter 8
Jacob continued reading from Isaiah; in the last days, God would comfort Zion and gather Israel. The redeemed would come to Zion amid great joy.